Review: The Intimate Serenity of ‘Loom’ By Ólafur Arnalds & Bonobo

Ólafur Arnalds feat. Bonobo | Loom (single) | Mercury KX

Release Date: 15 October, 2020

‘some kind of peace’ Album Release Date: 6 November, 2020

Ólafur Arnalds is an artist whose exploration of the musical realm has allowed him to establish himself in a manner quite like any other. 

Traversing various genres, the multi-instrumentalist has delved into the theatrics of post-rock, classical music and outstanding orchestral arrangements along with diving headfirst with his signature techniques into the electronic music world; most notably, teaming up with techno duo Kiasmos and sculpting narratives within his ambient works.

In light of his upcoming album release ‘some kind of peace’ – an album which Arnalds has described as his most personal work to date; the musician has released his latest single titled ‘Loom’ in collaboration with beloved British producer and musician Bonobo. Accompanying the single is a stunning video filmed in Iceland spearheaded by director Neels Castillon. Arnalds’ speaks of the collaborative efforts:

Last year Bonobo and I spent a couple of days in the studio, after traveling and camping together in the Icelandic highlands, with no intention other than to spend some quality time with music. Loom is one of the songs that came from those sessions and as time passed, and I started writing the rest of the album, I kept coming back to it. The serene energy of the song is perfectly encapsulated in Neels’s beautiful video — a true testament to getting lost in the moment, as we did.

Opening with a delicate, idyllic ambience; ‘Loom’ shimmers with a ghostly static in its introduction – the tender serenity of sparkling, atmospheric melodies ebbing and flowing as gentle echoic waves are doused in delay. Glittering electronic harmonies dance intimately among the calm, collected aura of the track – twinkling melodious textures bubble with an introspective sense of melancholy segue into an occasional slow pulse, adding slightly darker and heavier feel with each appearance, despite the tracks light airy atmosphere  – as touches of synthesizer swirls dot the soundscape.

Layers of timbres build a beautifully reflective, tender realm in ‘Loom’ – hypnotic fluttering piano with touches of post-classical arrangement with the rich soundscape singing with quiet, phantom-like vocal samples showcases a fantastic collaboration between Arnalds and Bonobo, with each of their personalities shining through; especially in the context of the raw intimacy of the official video.

Rating: 8 / 10

Feature Image: Ólafur Arnalds by Anna Maggy